A mountain getaway should be memorable for the right reasons. When you’re traveling the I-70 Mountain Corridor, a little patience behind the wheel helps everyone get there safely.
Colorado has a new traffic safety law that adds consequences for drivers who take dangerous risks. Senate Bill 26-035, sponsored by Sen. Dylan Roberts and Rep. Chad Clifford, took effect Aug. 12, 2026, strengthening penalties for extreme speeding, certain repeat speeding offenses and illegal passing in no-passing zones. Here’s what mountain travelers should know.
Higher speeds bring more points
Under the new law, driving 100 mph or faster adds four points to a driver’s license record on top of the points normally assessed for the speeding violation.
The law also increases points for qualifying repeat speeding offenses:
- A second violation within 12 months: two additional points.
- Three or more violations within 24 months: four additional points.
- Five or more violations within five years: eight additional points.
These provisions apply to specified speeding offenses involving driving at least 20 mph above a reasonable and prudent speed or exceeding the maximum lawful speed of 75 mph. The added penalties depend on the violation and the driver’s history – not every second speeding ticket automatically receives the same increase.
For qualifying repeat offenses, drivers also receive a summons and complaint instead of a standard penalty assessment notice. That means a court process rather than simply paying the ticket.
Double yellow means wait
On the two-lane roads connecting mountain communities, getting stuck behind a slower vehicle can test your patience. But crossing a double yellow line to pass puts you in the path of oncoming traffic, jeopardizing your safety and the safety of others.
The new law establishes a six-point penalty for improper passing in a no-passing zone. It also clarifies that solid yellow pavement markings can designate these zones and directs the Colorado Department of Transportation to prioritize no-passing signs where crashes involving illegal passing have increased.
The takeaway: wait until passing is both legal and safe. A slower vehicle ahead is never a reason to gamble on what’s around the next curve.
Plan ahead so you don’t feel rushed
A safer mountain trip starts before you leave home. Build some flexibility into your plans so a delay doesn’t become pressure to speed or make an unsafe pass.
- Check the GoI70 Travel Forecast and choose a departure time outside the busiest travel periods.
- Review current road conditions before heading out. You can check real-time traffic information and road cameras on COtrip.org.
- Leave room between vehicles and adjust your speed for weather, visibility and traffic.
- Stay patient on connecting highways, where passing opportunities may be limited.
- Explore mountain transit options and let someone else handle the driving.
GoI70.com offers travel forecasts, road information and transit resources to help you plan your trip.
Give yourself time to enjoy the journey—and help everyone sharing the road arrive safely.
Learn more about SB26-035 through the Colorado General Assembly.